The return of Russia and Belarus to the 2024 Olympics continues French President Emmanuel Macron has now insisted that the Russian flag will not fly in Paris during the Olympic Games.

Paris Olympics 2024: No Russian flags at Paris Olympics

India is barred from being a member of the United World Wrestling Body. The world governing body for wrestling suspended the membership of the Wrestling Federation of India. The UWW conveyed its decision in a letter sent to the Indian Olympic Association.

Why did the World Wrestling body suspend membership in the Wrestling Federation of India?

Following the 2015 World Cup debacle, former England captain Eoin Morgan reinstated the trust and the belief of winning in his teammates and fans by resetting their way of playing cricket. That paid dividends as England emerged as the most feared white-ball side and even won the home World Cup in 2019. Speaking with WION’s Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, in an exclusive chat Eoin Morgan opened up on England’s chances of retaining the World Cup in India and which four teams, according to him, have it in them to lift the trophy.

Currently plying his trade in Zimbabwe’s inaugural T10 League, where he is leading the Harare Hurricanes, Morgan expressed his thoughts on how tough competition the 2023 World Cup will be and what it means for the defending champions to come there and deliver. The left-handed batter, who switched countries in his career, having started for Ireland earlier, also termed India one of the favourites to win the World Cup and end their dry run of winning ICC trophies with that.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pat-cummins-to-not-captain-australia-in-each-game-ahead-of-2023-world-cup-to-manage-workload-619935">Pat Cummins to not captain Australia in each game ahead of 2023 World Cup to manage workload</a>

Meanwhile, backing England’s top brass for taking the right decisions at the start of the year – citing the example of resting Joe Root for the South Africa ODIs and sending him to play the International League T20 in the Gulf, and instead bringing in more young players for them to get the exposure. Although England is not slated to play many ODIs in the lead-up to the 2023 World Cup, Morgan feels ECB’s policy of giving players more international exposure by allowing them to play in several leagues will benefit them eventually.

When asked which four teams can make the semis, Morgan said, "England, India, Australia and Pakistan are four favourites. Playing 50-over cricket in India you need to have your basis covered, and I think these four teams do."

<h2>‘Excellent India Team can lift 2023 World Cup’</h2>

The hosts of the World Cup, India, haven’t lifted an ICC trophy since last winning in 2013 (Champions Trophy), and Morgan feels if the current team management can urge the players to engage with the ones who did it in the past, it can benefit the Men in Blue – who according to him are already hot favourites to stand tall in the end.

"India is an excellent cricket team and will be favourites going into the 2023 World Cup. Home advantage is a keen thing. My advice for them would be to engage with the people that were there (in 2011) and probably pick their brains. It's going to be a hell of a tournament. I am looking forward to it, hoping don't have too much luck (laugh)," Morgan said on WION.

<h2>Morgan on cricket’s chances in Olympics&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</h2>

Cricket getting involved in the Olympic Games has been the topic of discussion for quite some time now. With Morgan now playing in the T10 league, the ex-World Cup winning captain feels this format fits the Olympics parameter as more teams can play in a crunch window, unlike T20 Cricket – where he feels only handful of teams will be able to participate, and exposure of the same will be enough.

"If cricket was welcomed into the Olympics, it (T10 format) would have to be considered as one of the formats because if you were to use T20 cricket as an example, you would only be able to play five or six teams (given the crunch window of 10-12 days), which is not enough exposure," Morgan added.

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Following the 2015 World Cup debacle, former England captain Eoin Morgan reinstated the trust and the belief of winning in his teammates and fans by resetting their way of playing cricket.

Following the 2015 World Cup debacle, former England captain Eoin Morgan reinstated the trust and the belief of winning in his teammates and fans by resetting their way of playing cricket. That paid dividends as England emerged as the most feared white-ball side and even won the home World Cup in 2019. Speaking with WION’s Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, in an exclusive chat Eoin Morgan opened up on England’s chances of retaining the World Cup in India and which four teams, according to him, have it in them to lift the trophy. Currently plying his trade in Zimbabwe’s inaugural T10 League, where he is leading the Harare Hurricanes, Morgan expressed his thoughts on how tough competition the 2023 World Cup will be and what it means for the defending champions to come there and deliver. The left-handed batter, who switched countries in his career, having started for Ireland earlier, also termed India one of the favourites to win the World Cup and end their dry run of winning ICC trophies with that. ALSO READ: Pat Cummins to not captain Australia in each game ahead of 2023 World Cup to manage workload Meanwhile, backing England’s top brass for taking the right decisions at the start of the year – citing the example of resting Joe Root for the South Africa ODIs and sending him to play the International League T20 in the Gulf, and instead bringing in more young players for them to get the exposure. Although England is not slated to play many ODIs in the lead-up to the 2023 World Cup, Morgan feels ECB’s policy of giving players more international exposure by allowing them to play in several leagues will benefit them eventually. When asked which four teams can make the semis, Morgan said, "England, India, Australia and Pakistan are four favourites. Playing 50-over cricket in India you need to have your basis covered, and I think these four teams do." ‘Excellent India Team can lift 2023 World Cup’ The hosts of the World Cup, India, haven’t lifted an ICC trophy since last winning in 2013 (Champions Trophy), and Morgan feels if the current team management can urge the players to engage with the ones who did it in the past, it can benefit the Men in Blue – who according to him are already hot favourites to stand tall in the end. "India is an excellent cricket team and will be favourites going into the 2023 World Cup. Home advantage is a keen thing. My advice for them would be to engage with the people that were there (in 2011) and probably pick their brains. It's going to be a hell of a tournament. I am looking forward to it, hoping don't have too much luck (laugh)," Morgan said on WION. Morgan on cricket’s chances in Olympics Cricket getting involved in the Olympic Games has been the topic of discussion for quite some time now. With Morgan now playing in the T10 league, the ex-World Cup winning captain feels this format fits the Olympics parameter as more teams can play in a crunch window, unlike T20 Cricket – where he feels only handful of teams will be able to participate, and exposure of the same will be enough. "If cricket was welcomed into the Olympics, it (T10 format) would have to be considered as one of the formats because if you were to use T20 cricket as an example, you would only be able to play five or six teams (given the crunch window of 10-12 days), which is not enough exposure," Morgan added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

EXCLUSIVE: Morgan names India, England as favourites for World Cup; picks T10 as cricket's ticket to Olympics

For the Paris 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony, France has said that it will send out 35,000 military and security personnel to guard against dangers like drone attacks. By choosing to stage the Ceremony on the River Seine while boats carrying competitors are in the water, the organizers have added new safety risks.

France to deploy anti-drone system to protect Paris 2024 Olympic games

Heavy rainfall in the French capital has dwindled Paris' plans on testing the readiness for swimmers to take a dip and participate in a race in the River Seine at next year's Summer Olympics.

On Friday (4 August), a training session, that was planned for swimmers who were aiming to take part in a race this weekend in the river, was called off due to the declining water quality which dropped below acceptable standards, said the international governing body of swimming announced.

That can most likely happen when rains cause overflows of untreated waste into the Seine.

The French government is set to spend around $1.6 billion on the Seine regeneration project.

According to the officials, the water-management projects will make the pollution issues caused by storms less frequent.

World Aquatics released a statement saying that after days of rains, “The water quality in the Seine has currently fallen below acceptable standards for safeguarding swimmers’ health,” as per AP reports.

It further said that a call on whether the Open Water Swimming World Cup, which was scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, will follow more water-quality tests.

The competition, which will be among a raft of events, has been organised to test Paris’ Olympic plans.

<h2>River Seine to be venue for marathon swimming at Games next summer &nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

Paris' River Seine has been chosen as the venue for marathon swimming at the Games next summer.

Banned for almost 100 years due to filthy water, three Olympic and Paralympic events, triathlon, marathon swimming and Para-triathlon will take place in the river and by the year 2025, three open-air swimming areas will be accessible from the quayside.

The water quality of the river drastically declined in all these years due to industrial sewage and the sanitation demands of the growing population in the French capital.

The declining water quality affected the aquatic life to a point where in the 1960s only three species of fish were recorded in Paris.&nbsp;

Swimming in the Seine was banned in the year 1923.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-100-detained-over-50-injured-as-riot-breaks-out-over-eritrean-festival-622276">Sweden: 100 detained, over 50 injured as riot breaks out over Eritrean festival</a>

<h2>Three swimming areas to open on the Seine</h2>

Over the last 20 years, the advancements that have been made have resulted in a sharp decline of faecal bacteria entering the river.

"But the difficulty has been in eradicating those last few percentage points to ensure it can be officially classified as clean," the BBC quoted Samuel Colin-Canivez, chief engineer for sanitation at Paris city hall as saying.

The government is now building a huge reservoir underground that will help in storing run-off in times of heavy rainfall.

"Up to now, the Seine has been the safety valve for the sewage system. If we didn't occasionally allow wastewater into the river, it would have backed up into people's homes," Colin-Canivez added.

"Now a tunnel will bring the overflow to the reservoir, where it can be stored for a day or two - the time for the system to settle down again. Then it will be drained as normal to the treatment centres," he further said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Heavy rainfall in the French capital has dwindled Paris' plans on testing the readiness for swimmers to take a dip and participate in a race in the River Seine at next year's Summer Olympics.

Heavy rainfall in the French capital has dwindled Paris' plans on testing the readiness for swimmers to take a dip and participate in a race in the River Seine at next year's Summer Olympics. On Friday (4 August), a training session, that was planned for swimmers who were aiming to take part in a race this weekend in the river, was called off due to the declining water quality which dropped below acceptable standards, said the international governing body of swimming announced. That can most likely happen when rains cause overflows of untreated waste into the Seine. The French government is set to spend around $1.6 billion on the Seine regeneration project. According to the officials, the water-management projects will make the pollution issues caused by storms less frequent. World Aquatics released a statement saying that after days of rains, “The water quality in the Seine has currently fallen below acceptable standards for safeguarding swimmers’ health,” as per AP reports. It further said that a call on whether the Open Water Swimming World Cup, which was scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, will follow more water-quality tests. The competition, which will be among a raft of events, has been organised to test Paris’ Olympic plans. River Seine to be venue for marathon swimming at Games next summer Paris' River Seine has been chosen as the venue for marathon swimming at the Games next summer. Banned for almost 100 years due to filthy water, three Olympic and Paralympic events, triathlon, marathon swimming and Para-triathlon will take place in the river and by the year 2025, three open-air swimming areas will be accessible from the quayside. The water quality of the river drastically declined in all these years due to industrial sewage and the sanitation demands of the growing population in the French capital. The declining water quality affected the aquatic life to a point where in the 1960s only three species of fish were recorded in Paris. Swimming in the Seine was banned in the year 1923. Also read: Sweden: 100 detained, over 50 injured as riot breaks out over Eritrean festival Three swimming areas to open on the Seine Over the last 20 years, the advancements that have been made have resulted in a sharp decline of faecal bacteria entering the river. "But the difficulty has been in eradicating those last few percentage points to ensure it can be officially classified as clean," the BBC quoted Samuel Colin-Canivez, chief engineer for sanitation at Paris city hall as saying. The government is now building a huge reservoir underground that will help in storing run-off in times of heavy rainfall. "Up to now, the Seine has been the safety valve for the sewage system. If we didn't occasionally allow wastewater into the river, it would have backed up into people's homes," Colin-Canivez added. "Now a tunnel will bring the overflow to the reservoir, where it can be stored for a day or two - the time for the system to settle down again. Then it will be drained as normal to the treatment centres," he further said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Degrading quality of water due to heavy rains tests Paris' readiness for Olympics

United States hammer thrower Gwen Berry faces being ruled out of next year's Olympic Games after receiving a 16-month doping suspension, the United States Anti-Doping Agency said Wednesday.

Berry, an outspoken social justice advocate who has made repeated podium protests in recent years, tested positive for the banned substance canrenone in an out-of-competition test in March.

USADA said the substance, a metabolite of spironolactone classified as a masking agent, entered Berry's system via a topical medication for which she had a prescription.

However Berry failed to seek a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) for the medication, leaving her facing a suspension, USADA said.

It is the second time in Berry's career that she has been banned for an anti-doping violation.&nbsp;

She was suspended for three months in 2016 after using a banned asthma medication.

USADA said her 16-month suspension took effect on April 28, 2023.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2023-england-australia-docked-points-in-double-digits-for-slow-over-rate-621712">Ashes 2023: England, Australia docked points in double digits for slow over rate</a>

The suspension means she will not be eligible to return to competition until August 28, 2024, ruling her out of next year's Olympics.

Berry, 34, made headlines in 2019 when she raised a fist on the podium after winning the gold medal at the Pan American Games in Lima. Berry said the gesture was a protest against "injustice" in America.

That protest earned Berry a reprimand from the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee, with a warning she would face severe consequences if it was repeated.

However US authorities later softened their stance on podium protests in the wake of the 2020 murder of George Floyd, which triggered a global outpouring of protests against racial and social injustice.

Berry also protested on the podium at the US Olympic trials in 2021, turning away from the American flag as the national anthem played after a third place finish secured her spot at the Tokyo Games.

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United States hammer thrower Gwen Berry faces being ruled out of next year's Olympic Games after receiving a 16-month doping suspension, the United States Anti-Doping Agency said Wednesday.

United States hammer thrower Gwen Berry faces being ruled out of next year's Olympic Games after receiving a 16-month doping suspension, the United States Anti-Doping Agency said Wednesday. Berry, an outspoken social justice advocate who has made repeated podium protests in recent years, tested positive for the banned substance canrenone in an out-of-competition test in March. USADA said the substance, a metabolite of spironolactone classified as a masking agent, entered Berry's system via a topical medication for which she had a prescription. However Berry failed to seek a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) for the medication, leaving her facing a suspension, USADA said. It is the second time in Berry's career that she has been banned for an anti-doping violation. She was suspended for three months in 2016 after using a banned asthma medication. USADA said her 16-month suspension took effect on April 28, 2023. ALSO READ | Ashes 2023: England, Australia docked points in double digits for slow over rate The suspension means she will not be eligible to return to competition until August 28, 2024, ruling her out of next year's Olympics. Berry, 34, made headlines in 2019 when she raised a fist on the podium after winning the gold medal at the Pan American Games in Lima. Berry said the gesture was a protest against "injustice" in America. That protest earned Berry a reprimand from the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee, with a warning she would face severe consequences if it was repeated. However US authorities later softened their stance on podium protests in the wake of the 2020 murder of George Floyd, which triggered a global outpouring of protests against racial and social injustice. Berry also protested on the podium at the US Olympic trials in 2021, turning away from the American flag as the national anthem played after a third place finish secured her spot at the Tokyo Games. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US hammer thrower Gwen Berry gets 16-month doping ban; likely to miss Olympic Games

The River Seine in Paris will very soon witness swimmers and divers back after almost a century as it is in the final stage of a historic clean-up, as per BBC reports.

Banned for almost 100 years due to filthy water, the government is set to spend around $1.6 billion on the Seine regeneration project that is being hailed universally as a success.

As per BBC reports, three Olympic and Paralympic events, triathlon, marathon swimming and Para-triathlon will take place in the river and by the year 2025, three open-air swimming areas will be accessible from the quayside.

"When people see athletes swimming in the Seine with no health problems, they'll be confident themselves to start going back in the Seine," the BBC quoted Pierre Rabadan, deputy Paris mayor in charge of the Olympics as saying. "It's our contribution for the future."

The water quality of the river drastically declined in all these years due to industrial sewage and the sanitation demands of the growing population in the French capital.

The declining water quality affected the aquatic life to a point where in the 1960s only three species of fish were recorded in Paris.&nbsp;

Swimming in the Seine was banned in the year 1923.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-prime-minister-justin-trudeau-to-shuffle-his-cabinet-tomorrow-reports-619347"> Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to shuffle his cabinet tomorrow: Reports</a>

<h2>Three swimming areas to open on the Seine</h2>

Over the last 20 years, the advancements that have been made have resulted in a sharp decline of faecal bacteria entering the river.

"But the difficulty has been in eradicating those last few percentage points to ensure it can be officially classified as clean," the BBC quoted Samuel Colin-Canivez, chief engineer for sanitation at Paris city hall as saying.

The government is now building a huge reservoir underground that will help in storing run-off in times of heavy rainfall.

"Up to now, the Seine has been the safety valve for the sewage system. If we didn't occasionally allow wastewater into the river, it would have backed up into people's homes," Colin-Canivez added.

"Now a tunnel will bring the overflow to the reservoir, where it can be stored for a day or two - the time for the system to settle down again. Then it will be drained as normal to the treatment centres," he further said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The River Seine in Paris will very soon witness swimmers and divers back after almost a century as it is in the final stage of a historic clean-up, as per BBC reports.

The River Seine in Paris will very soon witness swimmers and divers back after almost a century as it is in the final stage of a historic clean-up, as per BBC reports. Banned for almost 100 years due to filthy water, the government is set to spend around $1.6 billion on the Seine regeneration project that is being hailed universally as a success. As per BBC reports, three Olympic and Paralympic events, triathlon, marathon swimming and Para-triathlon will take place in the river and by the year 2025, three open-air swimming areas will be accessible from the quayside. "When people see athletes swimming in the Seine with no health problems, they'll be confident themselves to start going back in the Seine," the BBC quoted Pierre Rabadan, deputy Paris mayor in charge of the Olympics as saying. "It's our contribution for the future." The water quality of the river drastically declined in all these years due to industrial sewage and the sanitation demands of the growing population in the French capital. The declining water quality affected the aquatic life to a point where in the 1960s only three species of fish were recorded in Paris. Swimming in the Seine was banned in the year 1923. Also read: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to shuffle his cabinet tomorrow: Reports Three swimming areas to open on the Seine Over the last 20 years, the advancements that have been made have resulted in a sharp decline of faecal bacteria entering the river. "But the difficulty has been in eradicating those last few percentage points to ensure it can be officially classified as clean," the BBC quoted Samuel Colin-Canivez, chief engineer for sanitation at Paris city hall as saying. The government is now building a huge reservoir underground that will help in storing run-off in times of heavy rainfall. "Up to now, the Seine has been the safety valve for the sewage system. If we didn't occasionally allow wastewater into the river, it would have backed up into people's homes," Colin-Canivez added. "Now a tunnel will bring the overflow to the reservoir, where it can be stored for a day or two - the time for the system to settle down again. Then it will be drained as normal to the treatment centres," he further said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Seine river in Paris to finally open for swimmers and divers after Olympics, says mayor

India's Avinash Sable has become the first track athlete from the country to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Sable achieved the feat during the 3,000m steeplechase competition at the Silesia Diamond League. Sable clocked his second career-best time of 8 minutes and 11.63 seconds, beating the qualifying mark of 8:15.00 with a decent margin. His career-best is 8:11.20, which is also a national record in the event.

He finished sixth in the race which was won by reigning world and Olympic champion El Bakkali Soufiane in the meet record time of 8:03.16. Kenyan duo of Abraham Kibiwot (8:08.03) and Leonard Kipkemoi Bett (8:09.45) finished second and third, respectively.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIIS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIIS</a> athlete Avinash Sable finishes sixth in the 3000m steeplechase at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SilesiaDL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SilesiaDL</a>. ⚡️ 
 
With a season best timing of 8:11.63s, he has also sealed qualification for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Paris2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Paris2024</a>. 🤩<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Olympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Olympics</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CraftingVictories?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CraftingVictories</a> 🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/KxmrPrIBix">pic.twitter.com/KxmrPrIBix</a>
— Inspire Institute of Sport (@IIS_Vijayanagar) <a href="https://twitter.com/IIS_Vijayanagar/status/1680600841152237568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Sable is overall sixth Indian to qualify for the quadrennial event. Before him, 20km race walkers -- Akshadeep Singh, Vikas Singh and Paramjeet Singh Bisht qualified for the men's event.

Priyanka Goswami had qualified for the same women's event. Long jumper Murali Sreeshankar was the fifth one to qualify before Sable.

The Olympics committee considers men's and women's race walk in road events while the long jump comes under field event, making Sable the first track athlete from the country to qualify. The Olympic qualifications began July 1, 2023, and will continue till June 30, 2024.&nbsp;

The 28-year-old, with his sixth-place finish in Silesia, now has seven points in the Diamond League 2023 standings, including three from his latest race. Sable is currently ninth overall in the event in three Diamond League legs he took part in. He had finished 10th during the Rabat leg and a whopping fifth in Stockholm, with the timings of 8:17.18 and 8:21.88, respectively.

The athletes are awarded points instead of medals at eight legs of Diamond League in the run-up to the final. Top eight finishers overall of each event after all eight legs compete in the final for the trophy. The Diamond League Final 2023 will be held in Eugene, USA on September 16 and 17.

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India's Avinash Sable has become the first track athlete from the country to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Sable achieved the feat during the 3,000m steeplechase competition at the Silesia Diamond League.

India's Avinash Sable has become the first track athlete from the country to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Sable achieved the feat during the 3,000m steeplechase competition at the Silesia Diamond League. Sable clocked his second career-best time of 8 minutes and 11.63 seconds, beating the qualifying mark of 8:15.00 with a decent margin. His career-best is 8:11.20, which is also a national record in the event. He finished sixth in the race which was won by reigning world and Olympic champion El Bakkali Soufiane in the meet record time of 8:03.16. Kenyan duo of Abraham Kibiwot (8:08.03) and Leonard Kipkemoi Bett (8:09.45) finished second and third, respectively. Watch here: #TeamIIS athlete Avinash Sable finishes sixth in the 3000m steeplechase at the #SilesiaDL. ⚡️ With a season best timing of 8:11.63s, he has also sealed qualification for #Paris2024. 🤩#Olympics #CraftingVictories 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/KxmrPrIBix — Inspire Institute of Sport (@IIS_Vijayanagar) July 16, 2023 × Sable is overall sixth Indian to qualify for the quadrennial event. Before him, 20km race walkers -- Akshadeep Singh, Vikas Singh and Paramjeet Singh Bisht qualified for the men's event. Priyanka Goswami had qualified for the same women's event. Long jumper Murali Sreeshankar was the fifth one to qualify before Sable. The Olympics committee considers men's and women's race walk in road events while the long jump comes under field event, making Sable the first track athlete from the country to qualify. The Olympic qualifications began July 1, 2023, and will continue till June 30, 2024. The 28-year-old, with his sixth-place finish in Silesia, now has seven points in the Diamond League 2023 standings, including three from his latest race. Sable is currently ninth overall in the event in three Diamond League legs he took part in. He had finished 10th during the Rabat leg and a whopping fifth in Stockholm, with the timings of 8:17.18 and 8:21.88, respectively. The athletes are awarded points instead of medals at eight legs of Diamond League in the run-up to the final. Top eight finishers overall of each event after all eight legs compete in the final for the trophy. The Diamond League Final 2023 will be held in Eugene, USA on September 16 and 17. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Avinash Sable becomes first Indian track athlete to qualify for 2024 Paris Olympics - WATCH

US gymnastics star Simone Biles&nbsp;is set to make her first competitive appearance since the Tokyo Olympics after entering the US Classic, USA Gymnastics announced on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The August 4-5 competition would be her first since the four-time Olympic&nbsp;gold medallist withdrew from most of her events in Tokyo in 2021 with mental health and safety concerns.

"Registration...does not guarantee participation," USA Gymnastics warned in the statement.&nbsp;

"Every athlete is at a different place in their season and career, and we will support each of them, wherever they are in their journey," said USA Gymnastics chief programmes officer Stefanie Korepin.

In 2016, Biles won four Olympic gold medals at Rio, taking the team, vault and floor exercise titles plus a balance beam bronze.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-2023-ankita-raina-indias-only-singles-player-at-event-bows-out-with-a-loss-in-qualifiers-609611">Wimbledon 2023: Ankita Raina, India’s only singles player at event, bows out with a loss in qualifiers</a>

She entered the Covid-delayed Tokyo Olympics as a heavy favourite but struggled with a loss of air balance awareness, ending up with a team silver medal and a bronze in balance beam.

She has won 25 world championships medals, 19 of them gold, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Joe Biden in 2022.

She married NFL Houston Texans safety Jonathan Owens in April.&nbsp;

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US gymnastics star Simone Biles is set to make her first competitive appearance since the Tokyo Olympics after entering the US Classic, USA Gymnastics announced on Wednesday.

US gymnastics star Simone Biles is set to make her first competitive appearance since the Tokyo Olympics after entering the US Classic, USA Gymnastics announced on Wednesday. The August 4-5 competition would be her first since the four-time Olympic gold medallist withdrew from most of her events in Tokyo in 2021 with mental health and safety concerns. "Registration...does not guarantee participation," USA Gymnastics warned in the statement. "Every athlete is at a different place in their season and career, and we will support each of them, wherever they are in their journey," said USA Gymnastics chief programmes officer Stefanie Korepin. In 2016, Biles won four Olympic gold medals at Rio, taking the team, vault and floor exercise titles plus a balance beam bronze. ALSO READ | Wimbledon 2023: Ankita Raina, India’s only singles player at event, bows out with a loss in qualifiers She entered the Covid-delayed Tokyo Olympics as a heavy favourite but struggled with a loss of air balance awareness, ending up with a team silver medal and a bronze in balance beam. She has won 25 world championships medals, 19 of them gold, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Joe Biden in 2022. She married NFL Houston Texans safety Jonathan Owens in April. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Simone Biles set to return to competition in August: USA Gymnastics

VIPs only will be allowed to drink alcohol during next year's Paris Olympics, organisers said Tuesday, in line with the so-called Evin law banning its sale in stadiums.

"In application of the Evin law, alcohol will be banned from sale to the general public in stadiums during the Paris 2024 Games," organisers of Paris 2024 told AFP.

Introduced in 1991, the Evin law outlaws the sale of alcohol in stadiums, but it has some loopholes.

Legislation allows organisers to request up to 10 exemptions per year and per municipality. But the organising committee of Paris 2024 said it did not seek any such exemption because the Games entail the organisation of "more than 700 sporting sessions over 15 days of competition".

The one exception at Paris 2024 under the law, however, will be for VIPs in hospitality boxes where food is also on offer.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-india-vs-pakistan-muttiah-muralitharan-names-the-match-he-is-looking-forward-to-in-odi-world-cup-609271">Not India vs Pakistan! Muttiah Muralitharan names the match he is looking forward to in ODI World Cup</a>"It is not up to Paris 2024 to comment on this difference, but to the legislator, in the last resort, to define the relevant framework for event organisers," the organising committee said.

Alcohol was available at the 2012 London Olympics and four years later in Rio, but the Covid-delayed Tokyo Games also banned it, albeit with no fans in the stadiums.

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VIPs only will be allowed to drink alcohol during next year's Paris Olympics, organisers said Tuesday, in line with the so-called Evin law banning its sale in stadiums.

VIPs only will be allowed to drink alcohol during next year's Paris Olympics, organisers said Tuesday, in line with the so-called Evin law banning its sale in stadiums. "In application of the Evin law, alcohol will be banned from sale to the general public in stadiums during the Paris 2024 Games," organisers of Paris 2024 told AFP. Introduced in 1991, the Evin law outlaws the sale of alcohol in stadiums, but it has some loopholes. Legislation allows organisers to request up to 10 exemptions per year and per municipality. But the organising committee of Paris 2024 said it did not seek any such exemption because the Games entail the organisation of "more than 700 sporting sessions over 15 days of competition". The one exception at Paris 2024 under the law, however, will be for VIPs in hospitality boxes where food is also on offer. ALSO READ | Not India vs Pakistan! Muttiah Muralitharan names the match he is looking forward to in ODI World Cup"It is not up to Paris 2024 to comment on this difference, but to the legislator, in the last resort, to define the relevant framework for event organisers," the organising committee said. Alcohol was available at the 2012 London Olympics and four years later in Rio, but the Covid-delayed Tokyo Games also banned it, albeit with no fans in the stadiums. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

VIPs exempt as Paris Olympics organisers confirm stadium alcohol ban

The International Boxing Association has compared the International Olympic Committee to fascist Germany, after its decision to expel the governing body. The IBA claims that the move will be catastrophic for global boxing.

The International Olympic Committee withdraws recognition of the IBA

The headquarters of the&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;2024 Olympics organising committee and those of its infrastructure partner were being searched by police on Tuesday as part of investigations into alleged embezzlement of public funds and favouritism, prosecutors said. The national financial prosecutor's office (PNF) said the&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;2024 headquarters were raided amid a preliminary investigation launched in 2017 into contracts made by the Summer Games' organising committee.

The headquarters of SOLIDEO, the public body responsible for delivering Olympic and Paralympic infrastructure, were also being searched amid a preliminary investigation dating back to 2022, following an audit by the French Anti-Corruption Agency, the PNF added. "A police search was carried out at the headquarters of the&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;2024 Organising Committee on Tuesday 20 June,"&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;2024 said in a statement. "We are cooperating fully with the investigators to facilitate their investigations. The investigation should be allowed to run its course. We remain fully focused on the organisation and the delivery of the Games."

The&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;2024 Olympics, which organising committee president Tony Estanguet has vowed will be "beyond reproach", will be held from July 26-Aug. 11 with the Paralympic Games taking place from Aug. 28-Sept. 6. The searches coincided with the start of a two-day International Olympic Committee Executive Board on Tuesday to discuss a number of issues, including progress of&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;2024 Games preparations.

"We are aware that there has been a search by police of the&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;2024 headquarters today," an IOC spokesperson said. "We have been informed by&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;2024 that they are cooperating fully with the authorities in this matter."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/badminton-chirag-satwiksairaj-attain-no-3-spot-in-bwf-rankings-after-winning-indonesia-open-606525">Badminton: Chirag-Satwiksairaj attain No. 3 spot in BWF Rankings after winning Indonesia Open</a>

The total budget of the Games has soared to 8.8 billion euros ($9.62 billion) from an initial assessment of 6.6 billion in 2017. The infrastructure alone is expected to cost 4 billion euros from an original estimate of 3.2 billion. The cost is limited as most of the events will be held in existing facilities. The main construction sites are the Olympic village and the swimming pool in Saint Denis, just north of&nbsp;Paris.

The cost of security, which according to France's supreme audit institution would reach at least 400 million euros, has not been included in the overall budget. It is not the first time that Olympics organisers have been the subject of an investigation. Japanese prosecutors earlier this year indicting six companies including advertising giant Dentsu Group and seven individuals over suspected rigging of bids worth $320 million for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics.

The indictments followed months of investigations into alleged corruption in the planning and sponsorship of the Tokyo Games, held in 2021 after a COVID-19 postponement. Dentsu has offered its "sincere apologies" and said it had set up a committee of outside experts to review the case.

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The headquarters of the Paris 2024 Olympics organising committee and those of its infrastructure partner were being searched by police on Tuesday as part of investigations into alleged embezzlement of public funds and favouritism, prosecutors said.

The headquarters of the Paris 2024 Olympics organising committee and those of its infrastructure partner were being searched by police on Tuesday as part of investigations into alleged embezzlement of public funds and favouritism, prosecutors said. The national financial prosecutor's office (PNF) said the Paris 2024 headquarters were raided amid a preliminary investigation launched in 2017 into contracts made by the Summer Games' organising committee. The headquarters of SOLIDEO, the public body responsible for delivering Olympic and Paralympic infrastructure, were also being searched amid a preliminary investigation dating back to 2022, following an audit by the French Anti-Corruption Agency, the PNF added. "A police search was carried out at the headquarters of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee on Tuesday 20 June," Paris 2024 said in a statement. "We are cooperating fully with the investigators to facilitate their investigations. The investigation should be allowed to run its course. We remain fully focused on the organisation and the delivery of the Games." The Paris 2024 Olympics, which organising committee president Tony Estanguet has vowed will be "beyond reproach", will be held from July 26-Aug. 11 with the Paralympic Games taking place from Aug. 28-Sept. 6. The searches coincided with the start of a two-day International Olympic Committee Executive Board on Tuesday to discuss a number of issues, including progress of Paris 2024 Games preparations. "We are aware that there has been a search by police of the Paris 2024 headquarters today," an IOC spokesperson said. "We have been informed by Paris 2024 that they are cooperating fully with the authorities in this matter." Also Read: Badminton: Chirag-Satwiksairaj attain No. 3 spot in BWF Rankings after winning Indonesia Open The total budget of the Games has soared to 8.8 billion euros ($9.62 billion) from an initial assessment of 6.6 billion in 2017. The infrastructure alone is expected to cost 4 billion euros from an original estimate of 3.2 billion. The cost is limited as most of the events will be held in existing facilities. The main construction sites are the Olympic village and the swimming pool in Saint Denis, just north of Paris. The cost of security, which according to France's supreme audit institution would reach at least 400 million euros, has not been included in the overall budget. It is not the first time that Olympics organisers have been the subject of an investigation. Japanese prosecutors earlier this year indicting six companies including advertising giant Dentsu Group and seven individuals over suspected rigging of bids worth $320 million for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics. The indictments followed months of investigations into alleged corruption in the planning and sponsorship of the Tokyo Games, held in 2021 after a COVID-19 postponement. Dentsu has offered its "sincere apologies" and said it had set up a committee of outside experts to review the case. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Olympics: Paris 2024 headquarters raided in corruption allegations

The International Olympic Committee's (IOC) recommendation to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to return to international competition as neutrals is "confusing" because Ukraine is still under attack,&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;world number one Iga Swiatek said.

The IOC sanctioned Russia and Belarus after Moscow launched the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 but is now eager to see athletes come back across all sports and have a chance to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Russia says it is prosecuting a "special military operation" in Ukraine. Russian and Belarusian&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;players have been competing on the tours and at the other Grand Slams as neutrals since March last year.

"Right now the situation is pretty complicated because at the beginning of the war there weren't many decisions one way. At first they (Russian and Belarusian athletes) were kind of banned in other sports, not in&nbsp;tennis," Swiatek told reporters on Thursday. "Then it changed a little bit and they are starting to be allowed, which is pretty confusing because I feel nothing changed in Ukraine and the cities are still under attack. "Many Ukrainian athletes are fighting in the war and losing their lives. It's heartbreaking."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-approves-transgender-athlete-ban-for-girls-and-womens-teams-584651">US House approves transgender athlete ban for girls and women's teams</a>

Poland's Swiatek, who wears a Ukrainian flag on her cap during matches, has previously said&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;missed an opportunity to send a strong message to Moscow by failing to impose a blanket ban on players from Russia and its ally Belarus. "I just hope no matter what the decisions is going to be, the sport will be able to kind of put people together and not separate them," Swiatek added.

"But there are tensions, so it may be tricky and hard to do, but you know me as just one athlete, I don't have full influence on what's going on, so we kind of have to just compete (at) our best no matter what the circumstances are."

The International Olympic Committee's (IOC) recommendation to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to return to international competition as neutrals is "confusing" because Ukraine is still under attack, tennis world number one Iga Swiatek said.

The International Olympic Committee's (IOC) recommendation to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to return to international competition as neutrals is "confusing" because Ukraine is still under attack, tennis world number one Iga Swiatek said. The IOC sanctioned Russia and Belarus after Moscow launched the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 but is now eager to see athletes come back across all sports and have a chance to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Russia says it is prosecuting a "special military operation" in Ukraine. Russian and Belarusian tennis players have been competing on the tours and at the other Grand Slams as neutrals since March last year. "Right now the situation is pretty complicated because at the beginning of the war there weren't many decisions one way. At first they (Russian and Belarusian athletes) were kind of banned in other sports, not in tennis," Swiatek told reporters on Thursday. "Then it changed a little bit and they are starting to be allowed, which is pretty confusing because I feel nothing changed in Ukraine and the cities are still under attack. "Many Ukrainian athletes are fighting in the war and losing their lives. It's heartbreaking." Also read: US House approves transgender athlete ban for girls and women's teams Poland's Swiatek, who wears a Ukrainian flag on her cap during matches, has previously said tennis missed an opportunity to send a strong message to Moscow by failing to impose a blanket ban on players from Russia and its ally Belarus. "I just hope no matter what the decisions is going to be, the sport will be able to kind of put people together and not separate them," Swiatek added. "But there are tensions, so it may be tricky and hard to do, but you know me as just one athlete, I don't have full influence on what's going on, so we kind of have to just compete (at) our best no matter what the circumstances are."

Paris Olympics: IOC stance on Russians, Belarusians 'confusing', says No. 1 ranked Iga Swiatek

All sportspersons suffer injuries but a spinal injury can be life-altering. The Red Bull Wings for Life Run on May 7 will raise funds for spinal injury research. The event's International Sports Director and Athletics legend Colin Jackson explains why this unique race is special. Jackson also spoke to Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo about the looming possibility of an Olympic boycott due to the invasion of Ukraine and the problems ailing his sport.

Red Bull wings for Life World Run...Colin Jackson Exclusive | WION Sports

Ukraine has barred its national sports teams from competing in Olympic, non-Olympic, and Paralympic events that include competitors from Russia and Belarus, the sports ministry said in a decree published on Friday. The decision, criticised by some Ukrainian athletes, comes after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) angered Kyiv by paving the way for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as neutrals despite Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February last year, initially using its ally Belarus as a staging ground for troops driving toward Kyiv. The war, now in its 14th month, has killed tens of thousands, levelled cities, and uprooted millions.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tickets-sell-out-in-five-minutes-as-chinese-super-league-season-set-to-kick-off-on-weekend-582429">Tickets sell out in 'five minutes' as Chinese Super League season set to kick off on weekend</a>

Ukraine had previously warned its sports federations that it would strip them of their status as governing bodies if their athletes competed on the international stage with Russians and Belarusians. Asked about the decree, the head of the Ukrainian Association of Football told Reuters the UAF would comply with government decisions.

Andriy Pavelko, the sport's official, said the body was currently making inquiries with the ministry about which competitions would be affected, as this was not clear.

Ukraine's football team are due to play the next rounds of qualifiers for the 2024 European Championship in June. Russia have been banned from competitions by the European governing body UEFA due to the invasion, but Belarus is still participating, albeit in a different qualifying group to Ukraine.

"We are at war. We do not have the possibility to travel abroad without approval from the sports ministry," Pavelko said, referring to the wartime ban on able-bodied men aged between 18 and 60 leaving the country without government permission.

The decree published on the Sports Ministry's website overnight was signed by Deputy Sports Minister Matviy Bidnyi.

Some Ukrainian athletes, including Olympian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych, criticised the ban saying it would lead to the destruction of Ukrainian sports.

"If Ukrainian representatives are not present at competitions, then we completely vacate the international sports grounds and give the Russian/Belarusian representatives the opportunity to promote their narratives and propaganda," he wrote on Twitter.

The IOC sanctioned Russia and Belarus last year but in late March it recommended allowing their athletes to compete as neutrals in international competition. It also opened the door to allowing them to qualify for next year's Summer Olympics in Paris.

Ukraine has barred its national sports teams from competing in Olympic, non-Olympic, and Paralympic events that include competitors from Russia and Belarus, the sports ministry said in a decree published on Friday.

Ukraine has barred its national sports teams from competing in Olympic, non-Olympic, and Paralympic events that include competitors from Russia and Belarus, the sports ministry said in a decree published on Friday. The decision, criticised by some Ukrainian athletes, comes after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) angered Kyiv by paving the way for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as neutrals despite Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February last year, initially using its ally Belarus as a staging ground for troops driving toward Kyiv. The war, now in its 14th month, has killed tens of thousands, levelled cities, and uprooted millions. ALSO READ: Tickets sell out in 'five minutes' as Chinese Super League season set to kick off on weekend Ukraine had previously warned its sports federations that it would strip them of their status as governing bodies if their athletes competed on the international stage with Russians and Belarusians. Asked about the decree, the head of the Ukrainian Association of Football told Reuters the UAF would comply with government decisions. Andriy Pavelko, the sport's official, said the body was currently making inquiries with the ministry about which competitions would be affected, as this was not clear. Ukraine's football team are due to play the next rounds of qualifiers for the 2024 European Championship in June. Russia have been banned from competitions by the European governing body UEFA due to the invasion, but Belarus is still participating, albeit in a different qualifying group to Ukraine. "We are at war. We do not have the possibility to travel abroad without approval from the sports ministry," Pavelko said, referring to the wartime ban on able-bodied men aged between 18 and 60 leaving the country without government permission. The decree published on the Sports Ministry's website overnight was signed by Deputy Sports Minister Matviy Bidnyi. Some Ukrainian athletes, including Olympian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych, criticised the ban saying it would lead to the destruction of Ukrainian sports. "If Ukrainian representatives are not present at competitions, then we completely vacate the international sports grounds and give the Russian/Belarusian representatives the opportunity to promote their narratives and propaganda," he wrote on Twitter. The IOC sanctioned Russia and Belarus last year but in late March it recommended allowing their athletes to compete as neutrals in international competition. It also opened the door to allowing them to qualify for next year's Summer Olympics in Paris.

Ukraine bars national athletes to compete in competitions involving Russian, Belarusian players

A group of federations including the United States and Britain announced a new&nbsp;boxing&nbsp;world body on Thursday in a breakaway move aimed at securing the troubled sport's Olympic future. Leaders of Swiss-registered World&nbsp;Boxing&nbsp;told a news conference they would seek recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The founders include federations who have already announced boycotts of this year's men's and women's world championships organised by the Russian-led International&nbsp;Boxing&nbsp;Association (IBA), which was suspended by the IOC in 2019.

"I think we all know that it's time for a change," USA&nbsp;Boxing&nbsp;president Tyson Lee told reporters on a Zoom call. "Or at least it's time for another option -- an option that prioritises the Olympic movement."

Boxing's place in the Olympics after next year's Paris Games remains uncertain, with the sport not on the initial programme for Los Angeles 2028, pending reforms demanded by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The IBA was suspended by the IOC over governance, finance, refereeing and ethical issues. The body was stripped of involvement in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the qualifiers for Paris 2024.

The interim executive board of World&nbsp;Boxing&nbsp;will be overseen by Simon Toulson, a Briton who previously led the International Canoe Federation and worked in the IOC's sports department and with national Olympic committees.

There are representatives from Germany, Britain, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Philippines, Sweden and the United States. Boris van der Vorst, the president of the Dutch&nbsp;boxing&nbsp;federation who was prevented from taking part in the IBA presidential election in May last year, is also on the committee.

"World&nbsp;Boxing&nbsp;represents a coming together of people whose interest is solely in creating a better future for boxers and ensuring the sport continues to be a major part of the Olympic Games," he said.

Leaders said membership would open in May and the new body had a budget of 900,000 euros ($994,680) for this year with money coming through donations, membership and some sponsorship revenues.

Tokyo 2020 middleweight gold medallist Lauren Price of Wales and U.S. super-heavyweight silver medallist Richard Torrez Jr. will serve as athlete representatives on the interim executive board.

They will be supplemented by an athletes' committee of three men and three women. An executive board and president will be elected at an inaugural congress in November.

Toulson said the focus so far had been on becoming a registered association under Swiss law and the IOC had yet to be contacted about recognition, which could take two years to achieve. "Paris might be a little stretched for us to be recognised," he added.

He said World&nbsp;Boxing&nbsp;was not in a fight with IBA, and did not want the situation "to get nasty", but recognised there could be a legal challenge. "IBA can challenge us if they like," he said. "Legally, we have a free association in Switzerland... I don't think that we're that concerned about any legal challenge from IBA."

Toulson said there was also no bar on any federation being a member of both bodies. The strained relations between the IOC and the IBA, led by Russian Umar Kremlev and sponsored by Russian energy giant Gazprom, further soured after Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year.

The governing body defied IOC guidance and lifted a ban on Russian and Belarusian boxers competing under their flags last October. Boxing&nbsp;has been a part of every Olympics since 1904, with the exception of Stockholm 1912 because the sport was banned in Sweden at the time. Women's&nbsp;boxing&nbsp;was added to the programme in 2012.

The United States tops the all-time Olympic&nbsp;boxing&nbsp;medal table with 50 golds and 117 medals, ahead of Cuba and with Britain third.

A group of federations including the United States and Britain announced a new boxing world body on Thursday in a breakaway move aimed at securing the troubled sport's Olympic future.

A group of federations including the United States and Britain announced a new boxing world body on Thursday in a breakaway move aimed at securing the troubled sport's Olympic future. Leaders of Swiss-registered World Boxing told a news conference they would seek recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The founders include federations who have already announced boycotts of this year's men's and women's world championships organised by the Russian-led International Boxing Association (IBA), which was suspended by the IOC in 2019. "I think we all know that it's time for a change," USA Boxing president Tyson Lee told reporters on a Zoom call. "Or at least it's time for another option -- an option that prioritises the Olympic movement." Boxing's place in the Olympics after next year's Paris Games remains uncertain, with the sport not on the initial programme for Los Angeles 2028, pending reforms demanded by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The IBA was suspended by the IOC over governance, finance, refereeing and ethical issues. The body was stripped of involvement in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the qualifiers for Paris 2024. The interim executive board of World Boxing will be overseen by Simon Toulson, a Briton who previously led the International Canoe Federation and worked in the IOC's sports department and with national Olympic committees. There are representatives from Germany, Britain, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Philippines, Sweden and the United States. Boris van der Vorst, the president of the Dutch boxing federation who was prevented from taking part in the IBA presidential election in May last year, is also on the committee. "World Boxing represents a coming together of people whose interest is solely in creating a better future for boxers and ensuring the sport continues to be a major part of the Olympic Games," he said. Leaders said membership would open in May and the new body had a budget of 900,000 euros ($994,680) for this year with money coming through donations, membership and some sponsorship revenues. Tokyo 2020 middleweight gold medallist Lauren Price of Wales and U.S. super-heavyweight silver medallist Richard Torrez Jr. will serve as athlete representatives on the interim executive board. They will be supplemented by an athletes' committee of three men and three women. An executive board and president will be elected at an inaugural congress in November. Toulson said the focus so far had been on becoming a registered association under Swiss law and the IOC had yet to be contacted about recognition, which could take two years to achieve. "Paris might be a little stretched for us to be recognised," he added. He said World Boxing was not in a fight with IBA, and did not want the situation "to get nasty", but recognised there could be a legal challenge. "IBA can challenge us if they like," he said. "Legally, we have a free association in Switzerland... I don't think that we're that concerned about any legal challenge from IBA." Toulson said there was also no bar on any federation being a member of both bodies. The strained relations between the IOC and the IBA, led by Russian Umar Kremlev and sponsored by Russian energy giant Gazprom, further soured after Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year. The governing body defied IOC guidance and lifted a ban on Russian and Belarusian boxers competing under their flags last October. Boxing has been a part of every Olympics since 1904, with the exception of Stockholm 1912 because the sport was banned in Sweden at the time. Women's boxing was added to the programme in 2012. The United States tops the all-time Olympic boxing medal table with 50 golds and 117 medals, ahead of Cuba and with Britain third.

Boxing: Breakaway world body launches to fight for Olympic future

The International Olympic Committee's recommendation that Russian and Belarusian athletes compete as neutrals is "shameful", Poland's prime minister said on Wednesday, adding that Poland would build a coalition to demand its reversal.

Polish PM slams "shameful" IOC decision on Russia and Belarus

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Tuesday issued recommendations for the gradual return to international competitions for Russian and Belarusian athletes as neutrals, with President Thomas Bach saying their participation "works" despite the war in Ukraine.

IOC issues recommendations for Russian athletes' return to competitions

Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee, defended a decision Tuesday to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in the 2024 Olympics, amid a protest by both active and former international athletes who say the decision could set a dangerous precedent.

IOC defends decision to allow Russian athletes at 2024 Olympics

The Olympic Games and its ruling body, the International Olympic Committee, cannot be referees in global political disputes, its president Thomas Bach said on Wednesday, defending the IOC's plans to includes Russian and Belarusian athletes at the Paris 2024 Games.

IOC's Thomas Bach defends Russia stance amid pro-Ukraine protest

Recent proposals from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) suggest a pathway is being explored to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to return to competition as neutrals, including at next year’s Olympics.

2024 Paris Olympics: Chorus over potential boycott grows | Latest English News

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine nears its first anniversary, the governments of more than 30 countries have taken a collective stance and written a letter to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) disapproving the inclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes at the Paris Olympics 2024.

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine nears its first anniversary, the governments of more than 30 countries have taken a collective stance and written a letter to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) disapproving the inclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes at the Paris Olympics 2024. “We have strong concerns on how feasible it is for Russian and Belarusian Olympic athletes to compete as ‘neutrals’...when they are directly funded and supported by their states,” read the letter. The countries also sought clarification on IOC's definition of 'neutrality' as the governing body attempts to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes back into the fold. “As long as these fundamental issues and the substantial lack of clarity and concrete detail on a workable ‘neutrality’ model are not addressed, we do not agree that Russian and Belarusian athletes should be allowed back into competition." Notably, the UK, France, Canada, Germany, and the US are among the countries to have signed the letter. Both Russia and its ally Belarus have been pushed to the fringes of most Olympic sports, following Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine last year. WATCH | WION Speed News | Paris Olympics 2024: Zelensky attends meet to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes × However, the IOC, citing the United Nations human rights experts is attempting to change the situation. The body is of the view that "no athlete should be prevented from competing just because of their passport". "Respect the rights of all athletes to be treated without any discrimination, in accordance with the Olympic Charter. Governments must not decide which athletes can participate in which competition and which athletes cannot." Last month, Ukraine's presidential aide Mykhaylo Podolyak took to Twitter and slammed IOC for its stance by terming it a 'promoter of war'. "(The) IOC is a promoter of war, murder and destruction. The IOC watches with pleasure Russia destroying Ukraine and then offers Russia a platform to promote genocide and encourages their further killings," tweeted Podolyak. "Obviously Russian money that buys Olympic hypocrisy doesn't have a smell of Ukrainian blood. Right, Mr Bach? added the presidential aide, referring to IOC president Thomas Bach. #IOC is a promoter of war, murder & destruction. The IOC watches with pleasure RF destroying 🇺🇦 & then offers 🇷🇺 a platform to promote genocide & encourages their further killings. Obviously ru-money that buys Olympic hypocrisy doesn’t have a smell of 🇺🇦 blood. Right, Mr. #Bach? — Михайло Подоляк (@Podolyak_M) January 30, 2023 × Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publically batted for no Russian athlete to be allowed at the 2024 Paris Olympics. "We must be sure that Russia will not be able to use it (the Olympics) or any other international sporting event to promote aggression or its state chauvinism." Read more: Russian athletes should not compete at 2024 Paris Olympics: Zelensky tells Macron Ukraine's sports minister has already issued a warning that his country and its athletes will boycott the 2024 Olympics if IOC continues to entertain the Russians. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Paris Olympics: Over 30 Countries write to IOC demanding clarity on allowing Russian, Belarusian athletes

IOC president Thomas Bach has told Ukraine its calls to boycott the 2024 Paris Games over the possible participation of Russian competitors goes against Olympic “principles” as his organisation was accused of being “on the wrong side of history”.

Ukraine’s call to boycott Paris 2024 over Russian participation against Olympic principles, says IOC

Ukrainian&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;player Elina Svitolina called on Wednesday for Russian and Belarusian athletes to be banned from the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris due to Moscow's invasion of her country, hours after Latvia joined Kyiv's threats of a boycott. Ukraine's sports minister said on Tuesday that his country was seeking to secure widespread international support for banning Russian and Belarusian athletes from the 2024 Olympics because of the war.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has opened the door for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as neutrals in Paris. Athletes from Russia and Belarus, which aided President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine nearly a year ago, have been largely banned from international competitions since. Moscow says it is defending its own security and denies accusations of widespread atrocities in Ukraine.

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Latvia's National Olympic Committee (NOC) said in a statement on Wednesday that participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the Olympic Games under any flag was unacceptable as long as the war was ongoing. 
 
"The Olympics are the biggest dream and ultimate privilege for athletes. They are the largest platform for inclusion and diversity in sports, capturing the attention of the world," Svitolina said in a statement on Twitter. "With this in mind we must stick to banning Russian and Belarusian athletes... that we are united in the sanctions imposed against Russia and Belarus and that there are consequences for the heinous acts of their governments. 
 
"Their lives cannot continue as normal and the world, nor the Russian and Belarusian people, can be ignorant of the atrocities they are committing in Ukraine."

Svitolina, married to fellow&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;player Gael Monfils, reached her career-high ranking of world number three in 2017 and has not played since giving birth to her first child last year. 
 
&nbsp;

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Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina called on Wednesday for Russian and Belarusian athletes to be banned from the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris due to Moscow's invasion of her country, hours after Latvia joined Kyiv's threats of a boycott.

Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina called on Wednesday for Russian and Belarusian athletes to be banned from the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris due to Moscow's invasion of her country, hours after Latvia joined Kyiv's threats of a boycott. Ukraine's sports minister said on Tuesday that his country was seeking to secure widespread international support for banning Russian and Belarusian athletes from the 2024 Olympics because of the war. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has opened the door for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as neutrals in Paris. Athletes from Russia and Belarus, which aided President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine nearly a year ago, have been largely banned from international competitions since. Moscow says it is defending its own security and denies accusations of widespread atrocities in Ukraine. Also read: Japanese football star to join this Portuguese club aged 55 Latvia's National Olympic Committee (NOC) said in a statement on Wednesday that participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the Olympic Games under any flag was unacceptable as long as the war was ongoing. "The Olympics are the biggest dream and ultimate privilege for athletes. They are the largest platform for inclusion and diversity in sports, capturing the attention of the world," Svitolina said in a statement on Twitter. "With this in mind we must stick to banning Russian and Belarusian athletes... that we are united in the sanctions imposed against Russia and Belarus and that there are consequences for the heinous acts of their governments. "Their lives cannot continue as normal and the world, nor the Russian and Belarusian people, can be ignorant of the atrocities they are committing in Ukraine." Svitolina, married to fellow tennis player Gael Monfils, reached her career-high ranking of world number three in 2017 and has not played since giving birth to her first child last year. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Paris Olympics: Ukraine's Elina Svitolina calls for ban on Russians and Belarusians

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) rejected fierce criticism from Ukrainian officials, who have accused it of promoting war after the body said Russians could potentially be given the opportunity to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

WION Fineprint: IOC rejects defamatory criticism from Ukraine

The clock is set to hit 12:00 AM in a few hours with 2022 becoming another chapter in history.&nbsp;The&nbsp;year once again brought to fore&nbsp;India's rich&nbsp;talent in the sporting fraternity with many glittering performances. During 2022, many rising stars made a prominent mark and became household names after success in big-ticket tournaments such as the Commonwealth Games 2022, T20 World Cup, Women's ODI World Cup, Thomas Cup, etc.

In the CWG'22, India ended with as many as 61 medals -- fourth-most overall -- with the likes of Mirabai Chanu, PV Sindhu, Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, Nikhat Zareen, Sharath Kamal, Vinesh Phogat,&nbsp;Amit Panghal, Indian women's and men's hockey team, Indian women's cricket team, Murali Sreeshankar, etc. gaining prominence. Talking about long jumper Sreeshankar, the 23-year-old won&nbsp;silver&nbsp;with a jump of 8.08 metres. He, thus,&nbsp;became the first male long jumper from India to secure a silver medal at the Games.

Needless to say, Sreeshankar -- hailing from a family with a rich history of sporting achievements&nbsp;-- saw his stocks being on the rise. Recently, he opened up on his overall run in 2022, struggles en route to becoming an overnight star after CWG'22, idol Usain Bolt and more during an exclusive interaction with WION's Aditya Sahay. Excerpts:

Sreeshankar hails Usain Bolt

<blockquote>
"After growing up and watching Usain Bolt, I was really inspired. I was a big fan of him since 2007. I used to have his posters in my room. I was always inspired to be a sprinter like him. Fate had different plans for me (laughs) but I love and admire his consistency.&nbsp;I am really inspired by him."
</blockquote>

How has 2022 been for you?

It was pretty good. There was&nbsp;a fair share of ups and downs. I was consistently clocking over 8 metres in most of the competitions. A&nbsp;CWG medal and two World Championship&nbsp;finals were the icing on the cake. Hence, 2022 was very kind to me.

You were the only Indian male to reach the final of the Worlds. Although you ended seventh, what were the learnings and how did it set you up for CWG success?

I had a really good chance for a medal (at World Athletics 2022). In the finals, I made some small mistakes and paid the price. Still, I ended seventh and I believe everything is a stepping stone or a humble beginning for the major competitions to come. It made me realise that you can't go out and win the medal every single time so it was a big learning curve&nbsp;to be able to compete with the big guys. It was great&nbsp;overall.

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You pointed out a very good thing. One definitely can't win every competition. It is a mature stance. Did you learn this after the setback in the Worlds?

No&nbsp;sir. Not exactly. I have been knowing the journey of many top athletes for quite some time. For example, I have been watching the current Olympic champion Miltiadis Tentoglou (who secured his country Greece's first medal in the men's long jump in Tokyo 2020). He is a good friend of mine. I have been talking to him, trying to pick his brain and am monitoring his progress. He was ninth in one World C'ship, then seventh and then entered&nbsp;the final. Then,&nbsp;slowly and steadily he built from it. In 2022,&nbsp;he was the world indoor championship and in the world outdoor, he won silver.&nbsp;Hence, it&nbsp;is gradual progress. Every athlete goes from one stage to another. For some athletes, it has been a sudden big jump. But for most, it is&nbsp;step-by-step progress. What is most important is that every athlete needs to trust&nbsp;his, or her, process. Rest, everything will be taken care of.

It was a dramatic affair at CWG'22. How did you adjust to the conditions and what were the&nbsp;specific challenges faced?

Since I have been competing in a few international competitions, I don't have so much struggle in adjusting to the weather. In CWG'22, I still had a tough time. I was in much better shape in the qualifiers. In the final, I lost my rhythm and had to overcome a mindset issue. I don't want to stress about 8.20-8.30 metres jump. I rather aim for 8-8.10 metre jump and win gold. So I was focussed on that. I got the silver medal with 8.08m so I am happy (smiles).&nbsp;

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Congrats Murali sreeshankar !He Won the first ever silver medal🥈 for India in the long jump at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWG2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWG2022</a> <a href="https://t.co/zEcN42Fz56">pic.twitter.com/zEcN42Fz56</a>
— karthik gopinath (@karthikgnath) <a href="https://twitter.com/karthikgnath/status/1555421309424742400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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You hold the national record of 8.36m but managed a best of 7.93m in this year's National Games to lose gold to Jeswin Aldrin. What happened at the Games with the hamstring issue?

During the National Games, I was in really good condition. I was hoping for a big jump. Unfortunately, I pulled my hamstring so wasn't able to continue. I was hoping for a National record jump. But due to dehydration and some problems from the previous days, my body hadn't recovered so I couldn't continue from thereon and win big.

It is strange. On certain days, everything will click and you will surprise yourself. But on most, it is about managing that chaos at that time and trying to overcome it to return with a medal.&nbsp;

Sreeshankar on the journey of an athlete

<blockquote>
"Every athlete goes from one stage to another. For some athletes, it has been a sudden big jump. But for most of them, it is a step-by-step process. What is most important is that every athlete needs to trust&nbsp;his, or her, process."
</blockquote>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-qatar-2022-may-have-lost-many-battles-but-won-the-war-544566">FIFA World Cup: Qatar 2022 may have lost many battles but won the war</a>

How did you take up this as a profession? Anyone you look up to as an idol?&nbsp;

I come from a sporting family. Getting into sports was a natural thing for me. My parents were international athletes (his father S. Murali&nbsp;is a former triple jump athlete and silver medalist at the South Asian Games. Meanwhile, Sreeshankar's mother K. S. Bijimol secured silver&nbsp;in 800 metres at the 1992 Asian Junior Athletics Championships whereas&nbsp;his sister Sreeparvathy is a heptathlete) and most of my family members come from sports in some way or the other. Everything around me has been about sports only. After growing up and watching Usain Bolt, I was really inspired. I have been a big fan of his since 2007. I used to have his posters in my room. I was always inspired to be a sprinter like him. Fate had different plans for me (laughs) but I still love and admire his consistency.&nbsp;The kind of athlete is he, he is unbelievable. I&nbsp;am really inspired by him.

Your father's role in shaping your career? What are the small goals in-line for Paris 2024?

We do have big goals. He is coaching me and we are working very hard to remain in good shape to achieve some really big goals. Big realistic goals. Work is going in the right direction so I really hope everything will be much better and fall into place when Paris 2024 arrives.

The clock is set to hit 12:00 AM in a few hours with 2022 becoming another chapter in history. The year once again brought to fore India's rich talent in the sporting fraternity with many glittering performances.

The clock is set to hit 12:00 AM in a few hours with 2022 becoming another chapter in history. The year once again brought to fore India's rich talent in the sporting fraternity with many glittering performances. During 2022, many rising stars made a prominent mark and became household names after success in big-ticket tournaments such as the Commonwealth Games 2022, T20 World Cup, Women's ODI World Cup, Thomas Cup, etc. In the CWG'22, India ended with as many as 61 medals -- fourth-most overall -- with the likes of Mirabai Chanu, PV Sindhu, Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, Nikhat Zareen, Sharath Kamal, Vinesh Phogat, Amit Panghal, Indian women's and men's hockey team, Indian women's cricket team, Murali Sreeshankar, etc. gaining prominence. Talking about long jumper Sreeshankar, the 23-year-old won silver with a jump of 8.08 metres. He, thus, became the first male long jumper from India to secure a silver medal at the Games. Needless to say, Sreeshankar -- hailing from a family with a rich history of sporting achievements -- saw his stocks being on the rise. Recently, he opened up on his overall run in 2022, struggles en route to becoming an overnight star after CWG'22, idol Usain Bolt and more during an exclusive interaction with WION's Aditya Sahay. Excerpts: Sreeshankar hails Usain Bolt "After growing up and watching Usain Bolt, I was really inspired. I was a big fan of him since 2007. I used to have his posters in my room. I was always inspired to be a sprinter like him. Fate had different plans for me (laughs) but I love and admire his consistency. I am really inspired by him." How has 2022 been for you? It was pretty good. There was a fair share of ups and downs. I was consistently clocking over 8 metres in most of the competitions. A CWG medal and two World Championship finals were the icing on the cake. Hence, 2022 was very kind to me. You were the only Indian male to reach the final of the Worlds. Although you ended seventh, what were the learnings and how did it set you up for CWG success? I had a really good chance for a medal (at World Athletics 2022). In the finals, I made some small mistakes and paid the price. Still, I ended seventh and I believe everything is a stepping stone or a humble beginning for the major competitions to come. It made me realise that you can't go out and win the medal every single time so it was a big learning curve to be able to compete with the big guys. It was great overall. Also read: Football 'King' Pele no more: List of records held by the Brazilian legend You pointed out a very good thing. One definitely can't win every competition. It is a mature stance. Did you learn this after the setback in the Worlds? No sir. Not exactly. I have been knowing the journey of many top athletes for quite some time. For example, I have been watching the current Olympic champion Miltiadis Tentoglou (who secured his country Greece's first medal in the men's long jump in Tokyo 2020). He is a good friend of mine. I have been talking to him, trying to pick his brain and am monitoring his progress. He was ninth in one World C'ship, then seventh and then entered the final. Then, slowly and steadily he built from it. In 2022, he was the world indoor championship and in the world outdoor, he won silver. Hence, it is gradual progress. Every athlete goes from one stage to another. For some athletes, it has been a sudden big jump. But for most, it is step-by-step progress. What is most important is that every athlete needs to trust his, or her, process. Rest, everything will be taken care of. It was a dramatic affair at CWG'22. How did you adjust to the conditions and what were the specific challenges faced? Since I have been competing in a few international competitions, I don't have so much struggle in adjusting to the weather. In CWG'22, I still had a tough time. I was in much better shape in the qualifiers. In the final, I lost my rhythm and had to overcome a mindset issue. I don't want to stress about 8.20-8.30 metres jump. I rather aim for 8-8.10 metre jump and win gold. So I was focussed on that. I got the silver medal with 8.08m so I am happy (smiles). Congrats Murali sreeshankar !He Won the first ever silver medal🥈 for India in the long jump at #CWG2022 pic.twitter.com/zEcN42Fz56 — karthik gopinath (@karthikgnath) August 5, 2022 × You hold the national record of 8.36m but managed a best of 7.93m in this year's National Games to lose gold to Jeswin Aldrin. What happened at the Games with the hamstring issue? During the National Games, I was in really good condition. I was hoping for a big jump. Unfortunately, I pulled my hamstring so wasn't able to continue. I was hoping for a National record jump. But due to dehydration and some problems from the previous days, my body hadn't recovered so I couldn't continue from thereon and win big. It is strange. On certain days, everything will click and you will surprise yourself. But on most, it is about managing that chaos at that time and trying to overcome it to return with a medal. Sreeshankar on the journey of an athlete "Every athlete goes from one stage to another. For some athletes, it has been a sudden big jump. But for most of them, it is a step-by-step process. What is most important is that every athlete needs to trust his, or her, process." Also read: FIFA World Cup: Qatar 2022 may have lost many battles but won the war How did you take up this as a profession? Anyone you look up to as an idol? I come from a sporting family. Getting into sports was a natural thing for me. My parents were international athletes (his father S. Murali is a former triple jump athlete and silver medalist at the South Asian Games. Meanwhile, Sreeshankar's mother K. S. Bijimol secured silver in 800 metres at the 1992 Asian Junior Athletics Championships whereas his sister Sreeparvathy is a heptathlete) and most of my family members come from sports in some way or the other. Everything around me has been about sports only. After growing up and watching Usain Bolt, I was really inspired. I have been a big fan of his since 2007. I used to have his posters in my room. I was always inspired to be a sprinter like him. Fate had different plans for me (laughs) but I still love and admire his consistency. The kind of athlete is he, he is unbelievable. I am really inspired by him. Your father's role in shaping your career? What are the small goals in-line for Paris 2024? We do have big goals. He is coaching me and we are working very hard to remain in good shape to achieve some really big goals. Big realistic goals. Work is going in the right direction so I really hope everything will be much better and fall into place when Paris 2024 arrives.

Exclusive: I used to have Usain Bolt's posters in my room, says India's CWG'22 star Murali Sreeshankar

On Wednesday (December 28), the Sports Minister Anurag Thakur revealed that India is seriously mulling bidding for the hosting rights of the 2036 Olympic Games. Thakur said that the&nbsp;government will consult with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and churn out a roadmap prior to the IOC session, to be held in Mumbai in 2023.

While the country has never been a host of the Olympics, Sports Minister remains optimistic of the nation to be able to pull it off. "If India is making news in every sector, from manufacturing to services, then why not in the field of sports? India is looking very seriously at bidding for the 2036 Olympics," Thakur told the Times of India.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wait-what-messis-qatar-hotel-room-to-be-converted-into-a-museum-after-argentinas-world-cup-success-547404">Wait, what? Messi's Qatar hotel room to be converted into a museum after Argentina's World Cup success</a>

Sports Minister Thakur even mentioned that Gujarat -- comprising of the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Motera,&nbsp;the largest cricket stadium in the globe --&nbsp;can be considered as a potential venue for the marquee event.&nbsp;"Gujarat has several times expressed interest in hosting the Olympics," he said. "They have the infrastructure. It's also part of the state government's manifesto to host the Olympics in Gujarat."

It is to be noted that multi-sport Games such as the Commonwealth Games in 2010, in New Delhi, and&nbsp;the Asian Games -- in 1982 and 1951 -- have been held in India earlier. However, if they manage to acquire the hosting rights for the 2036 Olympics it will be a huge deal for the Asian country. In the last edition of the Olympics, held in Tokyo, Japan, Indian contingent returned with its best-ever tally (with seven medals) with several athletes making a big name for themselves. Thus, Indian athletes are surely on the rise but it will be interesting to see if India is ready to pull off an event, of such a magnitude, in style as hosts.

On Wednesday (December 28), the Sports Minister Anurag Thakur revealed that India is seriously mulling bidding for the hosting rights of the 2036 Olympic Games. Thakur said that the government will consult with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and churn out a roadmap prior to the IOC session, to be held in Mumbai in 2023.

On Wednesday (December 28), the Sports Minister Anurag Thakur revealed that India is seriously mulling bidding for the hosting rights of the 2036 Olympic Games. Thakur said that the government will consult with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and churn out a roadmap prior to the IOC session, to be held in Mumbai in 2023. While the country has never been a host of the Olympics, Sports Minister remains optimistic of the nation to be able to pull it off. "If India is making news in every sector, from manufacturing to services, then why not in the field of sports? India is looking very seriously at bidding for the 2036 Olympics," Thakur told the Times of India. Also read: Wait, what? Messi's Qatar hotel room to be converted into a museum after Argentina's World Cup success Sports Minister Thakur even mentioned that Gujarat -- comprising of the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Motera, the largest cricket stadium in the globe -- can be considered as a potential venue for the marquee event. "Gujarat has several times expressed interest in hosting the Olympics," he said. "They have the infrastructure. It's also part of the state government's manifesto to host the Olympics in Gujarat." It is to be noted that multi-sport Games such as the Commonwealth Games in 2010, in New Delhi, and the Asian Games -- in 1982 and 1951 -- have been held in India earlier. However, if they manage to acquire the hosting rights for the 2036 Olympics it will be a huge deal for the Asian country. In the last edition of the Olympics, held in Tokyo, Japan, Indian contingent returned with its best-ever tally (with seven medals) with several athletes making a big name for themselves. Thus, Indian athletes are surely on the rise but it will be interesting to see if India is ready to pull off an event, of such a magnitude, in style as hosts.

India is looking very seriously at bidding for 2036 Olympics, reveals Sports Minister Anurag Thakur

Men will be allowed to compete in artistic&nbsp;swimming&nbsp;at the Olympics from the Paris 2024 Games, World Aquatics said on Thursday, as part of a drive towards inclusivity hailed by athletes as the realisation of an "impossible dream".

The sport's global body said in a statement that each team of eight can have a maximum of two men at the Games according to the new rules and 10 teams are set to compete in Paris after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) gave its approval.

Artistic&nbsp;swimming&nbsp;was called synchronised until 2017 and has been part of the Games since 1984. But while men have competed in artistic&nbsp;swimming&nbsp;at the World Aquatics Championships since 2015, they had not been allowed to participate at the Olympics.

"The inclusion of men in Olympic artistic&nbsp;swimming&nbsp;was once considered the impossible dream," said American Bill May, the first male world champion in the inaugural mixed duet technical event at the 2015 World Aquatics Championships.

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"This proves that we should all dream big. The male athletes have endured. Now, through their perseverance and the help and support of so many, all athletes may stand alongside each other equally, reaching for Olympic glory."

Italy's Giorgio Minisini, a world champion in the mixed duet technical routine in 2017 and 2022, said that the announcement was a major milestone.

"Our sport's evolution towards inclusivity is going on fast forward and this decision from IOC and World Aquatics will help us become an example for the whole Olympic movement," he said.

"As one of the most popular sports in the Games, we are ready to share the Olympic motto around the world louder than ever: 'Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together'."

Men will be allowed to compete in artistic swimming at the Olympics from the Paris 2024 Games, World Aquatics said on Thursday, as part of a drive towards inclusivity hailed by athletes as the realisation of an "impossible dream".

Men will be allowed to compete in artistic swimming at the Olympics from the Paris 2024 Games, World Aquatics said on Thursday, as part of a drive towards inclusivity hailed by athletes as the realisation of an "impossible dream". The sport's global body said in a statement that each team of eight can have a maximum of two men at the Games according to the new rules and 10 teams are set to compete in Paris after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) gave its approval. Artistic swimming was called synchronised until 2017 and has been part of the Games since 1984. But while men have competed in artistic swimming at the World Aquatics Championships since 2015, they had not been allowed to participate at the Olympics. "The inclusion of men in Olympic artistic swimming was once considered the impossible dream," said American Bill May, the first male world champion in the inaugural mixed duet technical event at the 2015 World Aquatics Championships. Also read: Premier League New fixtures and schedule: Date, Time, points table, Venue, livestream & TV broadcast details "This proves that we should all dream big. The male athletes have endured. Now, through their perseverance and the help and support of so many, all athletes may stand alongside each other equally, reaching for Olympic glory." Italy's Giorgio Minisini, a world champion in the mixed duet technical routine in 2017 and 2022, said that the announcement was a major milestone. "Our sport's evolution towards inclusivity is going on fast forward and this decision from IOC and World Aquatics will help us become an example for the whole Olympic movement," he said. "As one of the most popular sports in the Games, we are ready to share the Olympic motto around the world louder than ever: 'Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together'."

Men set to compete in artistic swimming from Paris 2024 in inclusivity push

As the scandal of corruption during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics widens further, prosecutors in Japan raided the headquarters of the ad agency Dentsu Inc and an events company on Friday, said a Reuters report. Dentsu, an international advertising and public relations company headquartered in Tokyo, is currently the largest advertising agency in Japan and the fifth largest network in the world in terms of worldwide revenues.&nbsp;

The public broadcaster NHK and local media reported that the companies are being investigated on suspicion of rigging bids for contracts related to Olympics test events. 
 
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The new investigation follows a sponsorship bribery scandal that had resulted in Dentsu Inc offices being raided earlier this year. 
 
The shares of Dentsu Inc’s parent company, Dentsu Group Inc, fell by 2.7 per cent on the news of the fresh probe, while shares of the event company Cerespo Co Ltd tumbled 11 per cent. 
 
The Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office and the Japan Fair Trade Commission refused to comment on the suspected bid-rigging reports.

WATCH |&nbsp;Tokyo Olympics 2020: Less than a thousand people attend opening ceremony

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Meanwhile, Dentsu issued a statement saying, “We continue to fully cooperate with this investigation.”&nbsp;Cerespo did not even respond to a request for comment. 
 
The raids were conducted after advertising agency ADK Holdings informed the Fair Trade Commission of its involvement in collusion on bid-rigging, reported Kyodo news agency, but an ADK representative declined to comment. 
 
It may be noted that if a company reports its involvement in any wrongdoing, then it can result in leniency from regulators when penalties are handed out. 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-busy-holiday-season-over-20000-workers-leave-zhengzhou-iphone-plant-537298">Ahead of busy holiday season, over 20,000 workers leave Zhengzhou iPhone plant</a> 
 
In the earlier scandal, Haruyuki Takahashi, a former member of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics board and before that a Dentsu Inc executive, was arrested in August on suspicion of receiving bribes from Olympic sponsors. 
 
Executives from ADK, suits retailer Aoki Holdings and publishing firm Kadokawa have also been arrested in the bribery scandal. 
 
Dentsu Group Inc. is an advertising behemoth valued at around $9 billion, and has an extensive international business. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

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As the scandal of corruption during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics widens further, prosecutors in Japan raided the headquarters of the ad agency Dentsu Inc and an events company on Friday, said a Reuters report.

As the scandal of corruption during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics widens further, prosecutors in Japan raided the headquarters of the ad agency Dentsu Inc and an events company on Friday, said a Reuters report. Dentsu, an international advertising and public relations company headquartered in Tokyo, is currently the largest advertising agency in Japan and the fifth largest network in the world in terms of worldwide revenues. The public broadcaster NHK and local media reported that the companies are being investigated on suspicion of rigging bids for contracts related to Olympics test events. ALSO READ | Ukraine claims its forces killed Iranian military personnel in Crimea The new investigation follows a sponsorship bribery scandal that had resulted in Dentsu Inc offices being raided earlier this year. The shares of Dentsu Inc’s parent company, Dentsu Group Inc, fell by 2.7 per cent on the news of the fresh probe, while shares of the event company Cerespo Co Ltd tumbled 11 per cent. The Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office and the Japan Fair Trade Commission refused to comment on the suspected bid-rigging reports. WATCH | Tokyo Olympics 2020: Less than a thousand people attend opening ceremony × Meanwhile, Dentsu issued a statement saying, “We continue to fully cooperate with this investigation.” Cerespo did not even respond to a request for comment. The raids were conducted after advertising agency ADK Holdings informed the Fair Trade Commission of its involvement in collusion on bid-rigging, reported Kyodo news agency, but an ADK representative declined to comment. It may be noted that if a company reports its involvement in any wrongdoing, then it can result in leniency from regulators when penalties are handed out. ALSO READ | Ahead of busy holiday season, over 20,000 workers leave Zhengzhou iPhone plant In the earlier scandal, Haruyuki Takahashi, a former member of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics board and before that a Dentsu Inc executive, was arrested in August on suspicion of receiving bribes from Olympic sponsors. Executives from ADK, suits retailer Aoki Holdings and publishing firm Kadokawa have also been arrested in the bribery scandal. Dentsu Group Inc. is an advertising behemoth valued at around $9 billion, and has an extensive international business. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Olympics scandal widens: Prosecutors raid Tokyo headquarters of ad giant Dentsu

Russian Olympic figure skater Kamila Valieva's doping case has been referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency after it made no progress with the Russian Anti-Doping Agency, WADA president Witold Banka said on Tuesday.

Valieva tested positive for the banned substance trimetazidine at the Russian national championships in December 2021 and the result was only made known on Feb. 8, a day after she helped her team win a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics.

Last month RUSADA said it would not release the results of the investigation into Valieva's positive test "in order to protect the interests" of the 16-year-old skater.

"Despite putting RUSADA under formal notice to resolve the Kamila Valieva case promptly, no progress was made. Therefore, I can confirm WADA has now officially referred it directly to the Court of Arbitration for Sport," Banka wrote on Twitter.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sri-lanka-cricket-to-probe-various-alleged-incidents-in-australia-after-danushka-gunathilakas-arrest-532284">Sri Lanka Cricket to probe ‘various alleged incidents’ in Australia after Danushka Gunathilaka's arrest</a>

WADA had issued a "formal notice" to RUSADA last month after raising concerns with the ongoing delay in Valieva's case, warning the agency they would take the matter directly to CAS, which is sport's highest court.

In her defence, Valieva said the positive test was the result of a mix-up with her grandfather's heart medication.

CAS had cleared Valieva, then 15, to continue competing at the Beijing Games in February, upholding an earlier decision by RUSADA to lift a ban on the skater.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/it-was-a-bad-choice-ex-fifa-president-sepp-blatter-feels-awarding-world-cup-rights-to-qatar-was-a-mistake-532250">'It was a bad choice': Ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter feels awarding World Cup rights to Qatar was a mistake</a>

CAS had cited the fact that Valieva was a "protected person" under WADA rules as one of the "exceptional circumstances" underpinning its decision. The CAS ruling did not address the merits of Valieva's drug case.

At the time, WADA was disappointed with the decision and Banka had said, "doping of children is evil and unforgivable".

Russian Olympic figure skater Kamila Valieva's doping case has been referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency after it made no progress with the Russian Anti-Doping Agency, WADA president Witold Banka said on Tuesday.

Russian Olympic figure skater Kamila Valieva's doping case has been referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency after it made no progress with the Russian Anti-Doping Agency, WADA president Witold Banka said on Tuesday. Valieva tested positive for the banned substance trimetazidine at the Russian national championships in December 2021 and the result was only made known on Feb. 8, a day after she helped her team win a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics. Last month RUSADA said it would not release the results of the investigation into Valieva's positive test "in order to protect the interests" of the 16-year-old skater. "Despite putting RUSADA under formal notice to resolve the Kamila Valieva case promptly, no progress was made. Therefore, I can confirm WADA has now officially referred it directly to the Court of Arbitration for Sport," Banka wrote on Twitter. Also Read: Sri Lanka Cricket to probe ‘various alleged incidents’ in Australia after Danushka Gunathilaka's arrest WADA had issued a "formal notice" to RUSADA last month after raising concerns with the ongoing delay in Valieva's case, warning the agency they would take the matter directly to CAS, which is sport's highest court. In her defence, Valieva said the positive test was the result of a mix-up with her grandfather's heart medication. CAS had cleared Valieva, then 15, to continue competing at the Beijing Games in February, upholding an earlier decision by RUSADA to lift a ban on the skater. Also Read: 'It was a bad choice': Ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter feels awarding World Cup rights to Qatar was a mistake CAS had cited the fact that Valieva was a "protected person" under WADA rules as one of the "exceptional circumstances" underpinning its decision. The CAS ruling did not address the merits of Valieva's drug case. At the time, WADA was disappointed with the decision and Banka had said, "doping of children is evil and unforgivable".

Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva's doping case referred to CAS, says WADA president

Mexico&nbsp;has launched an official bid for the 2036 Olympics, the country's foreign ministry and the national Olympic committee (COM) said in a joint statement on Wednesday. Foreign minister Marcelo Ebrard said they would announce a promotion committee on Nov. 30 as the first step of the process, followed by assessments to determine the host cities.

"We see ourselves as a successful and ambitious country. We are the only country that will host three FIFA World Cups, we are a vigorous country with one of the best economies in the world," Ebrard told reporters.

Mexico&nbsp;City hosted the Olympics in 1968. COM president Maria Jose Alcala said that&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;had been under consideration as a candidate since July, when International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach sent a letter expressing his enthusiasm for a potential bid.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-exit-ucl-after-inter-milan-beat-viktoria-plzen-later-get-thrashed-by-bayern-munich-528767">Barcelona exit UCL after Inter Milan beat Viktoria Plzen, later get thrashed by Bayern Munich</a>

Olympic athletics medallist Ana Gabriela Guevara, who is the director of&nbsp;Mexico's National Sports Commission, had earlier said it was economically unfeasible for the country to host the Olympics. In response, Ebrard said that the financing system for the Olympics had changed and the government would contribute only 10% of the total expenses, adding that&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;already had the infrastructure for the event.

"We will initiate the studies requested by the IOC to take into account the changes that have taken place in the Olympic Games financing... there is no bond to be paid in the process," he said. "The Olympics should fit the cities, not the other way around, not build and then not use the facilities. "We would have 15 years, enough time to organise it. If&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;proposes something, it is to achieve it."

Mexico has launched an official bid for the 2036 Olympics, the country's foreign ministry and the national Olympic committee (COM) said in a joint statement on Wednesday.

Mexico has launched an official bid for the 2036 Olympics, the country's foreign ministry and the national Olympic committee (COM) said in a joint statement on Wednesday. Foreign minister Marcelo Ebrard said they would announce a promotion committee on Nov. 30 as the first step of the process, followed by assessments to determine the host cities. "We see ourselves as a successful and ambitious country. We are the only country that will host three FIFA World Cups, we are a vigorous country with one of the best economies in the world," Ebrard told reporters. Mexico City hosted the Olympics in 1968. COM president Maria Jose Alcala said that Mexico had been under consideration as a candidate since July, when International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach sent a letter expressing his enthusiasm for a potential bid. ALSO READ | Barcelona exit UCL after Inter Milan beat Viktoria Plzen, later get thrashed by Bayern Munich Olympic athletics medallist Ana Gabriela Guevara, who is the director of Mexico's National Sports Commission, had earlier said it was economically unfeasible for the country to host the Olympics. In response, Ebrard said that the financing system for the Olympics had changed and the government would contribute only 10% of the total expenses, adding that Mexico already had the infrastructure for the event. "We will initiate the studies requested by the IOC to take into account the changes that have taken place in the Olympic Games financing... there is no bond to be paid in the process," he said. "The Olympics should fit the cities, not the other way around, not build and then not use the facilities. "We would have 15 years, enough time to organise it. If Mexico proposes something, it is to achieve it."

Olympics: Mexico launches bid for Summer Games in 2036

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